Bakpao Recipe

What is Bakpao? Bakpao is often sold in Jakarta, bakpao is of a great fluffy meat-filled buns offering much delight in each bite. They are shaped like dumplings and eaten with such sensation that no other can resist. Vendors from time to time, line in busy roads during rush hour to offer these dumplings to hungry passersby in need of a snack.

serves 4

cook time: 45 min, prep time 20 min

Bakpao ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• 2 tsp. yeast

• 3 tbsp. oil

Filling the Bakpao:

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-1/2 cups pork (or beef/pork mix) ground

• 1 tbsp. soy sauce

• 2 tsp. hoisin or oyster sauce

• Pinch salt

• Pinch sugar

Bakpao preparation:

1. Dissolve sugar in water completely. Mix flour, yeast and baking powder, then add water mix and oil. Mix, then knead until no longer sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double in bulk, about 45 minutes.

2. While waiting, make the filling:

• Sauté onion until translucent but not brown, adding the garlic towards the end. Add the meat and cook through. Add liquids and spices, cook 1 additional minute, and set aside.

3. When dough is risen, form into long loaf and cut into approximately 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece flat, put filling in center and seal shut.

4. Let stand for 15 minutes, then steam for 20-25 minutes.